#5: Sunday, 1 March, 2020
**Sunday, 1 March — Seeking the Messiah. — Matthew 4:12–25**
Understanding the New Testament requires familiarity with the Old Testament. Today's passage draws from Isaiah 9:1–2, specifically the phrase "Galilee of the Gentiles."
Historical Context
Galilee, in northern Israel, earned this designation after the events of 2 Kings 17. The northern Israelites abandoned monotheistic worship, sacrificing children and young people to false deities. They embraced fertility goddess worship and violence. God allowed Assyria to invade, displacing inhabitants and resettling the region with foreign captives and Assyrians, making it predominantly non-Jewish.
Isaiah prophesied restoration: "Nevertheless, there will be no more gloom for those who were in distress...he will honour Galilee of the Gentiles." He then predicted the Messiah's coming with this famous passage:
For a child has been born for us, a son given to us; authority rests upon his shoulders; And he is named Wonderful Counsellor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. His authority shall grow continually, and there shall be endless peace for the throne of David and his kingdom. He will establish it and uphold it with justice and with righteousness from this time onward and forevermore. (Isaiah 9:6–7 NRSV)
Matthew's Declaration
Matthew explicitly identifies Jesus as the promised Messiah through this Isaiah quotation. After mentioning John the Baptist's arrest, Matthew emphasizes Jesus' movement to Galilee, signaling John's completed mission and Jesus' imminent Kingdom work.
The narrative accelerates dramatically. Peter, Andrew, James, and John follow Jesus "immediately." Jesus travels throughout Galilee, healing "every disease and every sickness." "Great crowds" arrive from distant regions, representing both Jewish and Gentile populations.
Like yeast-activated dough expanding in sunlight, the Kingdom grows rapidly from its modest beginning. Ordinary people seek Jesus earnestly.
Though miracles won't perpetually characterize this movement, currently "the rightful King has landed on enemy soil." He demonstrates royal power through gracious healing abundance. These diverse crowds witness signs and wonders.
Within four chapters, Matthew transforms the narrative from deliberate commencement to revolutionary momentum.
Imaginative Challenge
Just imagine what would happen if Jesus were to be allowed to attend your church, as the celebrated and honoured King!
A decades-old poem reflects this longing, concluding:
Jesus, we are so frightened of you, we have locked you into a time warp of shepherds and donkeys. Break out again! Roll away the heavy stones of sentiment and tradition. Speak to us again, be our new screen icon. Show us your 21st century self. Email me your reassurance…
Prayer
Oh my Lord! I'm starting to feel the excitement of your coming! How marvellous to have been there and seen all that you were doing! I can't wait to see your coming in glory again, and to see what you will do with this tired world, and your careworn people. Perhaps, just for a moment, show us again your glory! Show us your majesty. Give us a peek at your amazing capacity for love-in-action. Amen.